Munster make 11 changes for Edinburgh clash

Paul O'Connell, James Cronin and JJ Hanrahan will be looking to combine effectively for Munster

Munster make a total of 11 changes to the side that started against Toulon in their Heineken Cup semi-final loss as they return to action in the RaboDirect PRO12 against Edinburgh.

After Thursday’s Ospreys defeat to Zebre, Munster are now guaranteed a semi-final place in the PRO12 with Leinster and Glasgow.

But the province will now be looking to secure the top-two finish that would guarantee them a home semi-final when they face Edinburgh at Meggetland on Saturday at 5pm.

James Cronin and John Ryan pack down on either side of Duncan Casey in a new-look front row with an average age of less than 24. Having featured last weekend against Toulon, Cronin makes his first start for the province since Treviso in March.

By contrast, the second row has a familiar look to it, Paul O'Connell lining up next to Donncha O'Callaghan.

Tommy O'Donnell and Paddy Butler return to the starting line-up alongside CJ Stander in the back row.

JJ Hanrahan suffered no ill effects from the last 20 minutes of last weekend's encounter in Marseille following his remarkable recovery from a groin problem, and partners Conor Murray in the halfbacks.

Behind them, Denis Hurley and Johne Murphy, both of whom signed new contracts with Munster this week, form the centre partnership.